Plants Add Happiness

<< PREV

Image 1 of 2

NEXT >>

Vivian is taking cuttings of Yellow Begonias.

An Interview with Vivian Ritums

Vivian Ritums feels good about being a part of a team that creates new plant life. Today she is taking cuttings from begonias to start new begonia plants that will be carefully nurtured as they grow from a starter plant to a full size begonia with lush blossoms and stunning foliage.

"I've been working at Wenke Greenhouses for 24 years and I still enjoy working with the plants and seeing them emerge from small seedlings or cuttings to plants that produce colorful and striking flowers. Being involved in the growing process of the plants is very satisfying and gratifying. I enjoy caring for the plants as they grow. It is just beautiful to see the plants grow and flower," states Vivian.

As the wind howls outside and Michigan is again experiencing another day of wind chill temperatures in the single digits, talking with Vivian in the warmth and humidity of a greenhouse full of thriving plants and lots of light, it is easy to forget the realities of the weather outside. "Winter weather can make me restless, winter can feel confining, working with the plants calms me and as the plants start to produce flowers I feel content, regardless of the outside weather, "says Vivian.

Vivian plants and cares for a variety of flowers at her home in Comstock. She really hasn't a favorite flower. "When I was a kid, my sister and I would dig up dandelions and other weeds and put them in pots to create color at our house. They weren't weeds to us, but cheery yellow flowers. I have since moved on from planting dandelions in pots to annuals and perennials," she laughs.